Everything you need to know about the Brazilian superstar, #TOGETHERLIVE performer and supporter of Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Seu Jorge was born in 1970 and raised in a favela in Belford Roxo in Rio de Janeiro state. He left home at the age of 19 and lived on the streets for a while, before having his musical talent discovered by the clarinetist Paulo Moura. He then auditioned for a musical and his life changed forever.

Jorge Mário da Silva is the real name of this musician and actor. The nickname Seu Jorge was given to him by his friend, the drummer Marcelo Yuka, and it has stuck as his stage name ever since. 

Widely regarded as being responsible for the rise in popularity of Brazilian pop samba having released acclaimed albums both with his band Farofa Carioca and as a solo artist, Seu Jorge cites his musical influences as everything from samba school to Stevie Wonder. He has also collaborated with other well-known artists, including the Brazilian singer Ana Carolina and the American artist Beck.

In 2002, Seu Jorge appeared as the character Mané Galinha in the critically acclaimed film City of God, launching his career as an actor. He went on to play Pelé dos Santos in Wes Anderson's The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, a film for which he also provided much of the soundtrack.

For The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou soundtrack, Seu Jorge recorded David Bowie classics including Starman, Rebel Rebel and Life On Mars in Portuguese, to the delight of the Thin White Duke himself: ‘Had Seu Jorge not recorded my songs in Portuguese I would never have heard this new level of beauty which he has imbued them with,’ he said.

In 2012, Seu Jorge collaborated with the fashion designer Rachel Roy. Together, they produced a line of sportswear, footwear, jewellery and handbags for women, designed as a celebration of Brazilian culture. 

Our first #TOGETHERLIVE concert hosted by #TOGETHERBAND and Harpic took place in Brazil on 12th December, with an incredible 190,000 people watching Brazilian super-star Seu Jorge’s mesmerising performance on YouTube. We held the concert to support and raise funds for the people living in Brazil who don’t have access to basic hygiene. Watch our documentary below on how our water stations are helping change lives in Brazil.